Victoria braces for flash flooding

Storm warnings have been issued for the outer east, south-east and western port areas of Melbourne.

file photo: ABC News

The weather bureau is warning Victoria may face flash flooding as early as today, with heavy rains forecast over the next few days and the ground still sodden from pre-Christmas falls.

Between 80 and 150 millimetres of rain is expected to fall over the next few days, and some rivers could reach a moderate flood level.

Much of the rain will fall overnight, with another heavy fall expected on Friday.

The weather bureau is on floodwatch across the state, with the exception of Gippsland.

There are no official flood warnings yet, but forecaster Phil King says Victorians must be on immediate alert with falls of more than 30 millimetres an hour expected before Wednesday afternoon.

The State Emergency Service (SES) says Victorians should prepare their flood plans now.

SES spokesman Tim Weibusch says the number of holiday-makers in the state is a concern, especially for those in caravan parks

However, Mr Weibusch says the greatest danger will be at the end of the week.

"We certainly won't see houses being inundated at minor and moderate flood levels, however later in the week, if we do see further rainfall, there is the potential for major flooding to occur," he said.

He is also warning people to watch out for flash floods.

"Anytime we see more than 30 millimetres an hour falling in some areas is where we will start to see those flash flood conditions," he said.